Long weekend health warning for Swan River users over debilitating virus​on February 28, 2025 at 11:39 pm

With the long weekend here, WA Health is warning the community that Ross River virus has been found in mosquitoes collected in Crawley recently.

The virus was detected in mosquitoes collected by the City of Perth as part of a WA Health coordinated mosquito surveillance program.

Acting director of environmental health, Dr Peter Gray said virus activity had recently been identified at a trapping site in Pelican Point, Crawley.

“We are encouraging people to take steps to prevent mosquito bites, particularly over the long weekend when people are more likely to be outside socialising,” he said.

He said there had been increased mosquito activity lately due to an extended period of environmental conditions favourable to mosquito breeding, including persistently high tides and warmer weather.

Mosquito management is carried out by local governments in collaboration with WA Health in areas with a recognised risk of mosquito-borne diseases.

“However, river goers are reminded not to rely on mosquito management programs alone to control all mosquitoes,” he said.

“People need to take their own precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

“Ross River virus is the most common mosquito-borne virus in WA and symptoms can be debilitating.